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Do you have WiFi problems? You can do something about it.
Image: Getty Images / EyeEm
Problems to broadcast Netflix? The problem could come from dead zones WiFi in your home.
Maybe your house is a bit too spacious or that the configuration of your apartment does not allow you to get a uniform signal.
One possible solution: WiFi extensions. There are, however, many things to consider before descending into this burrow. Fortunately, we are here to help you.
Do I need a WiFi extension?
If you are reading this, it is safe to assume that you have WiFi connectivity problems at home. You will most likely encounter dead zones in areas far from the router or places in your home where your devices will simply not connect to the network with any kind of stability.
That said, the signal range of your network may not be the culprit. Your WiFi signal can be great for many reasons. For example, many people keep the same router for years without replacing it, which is absolutely not the way to do it. If your router is more than three or four years old and your Internet connection is down, you should probably replace it before doing anything else.
Even if your router is top notch, it will not do much good if it is misplaced.
As an expert at HuffPo explained, the physical distance between a router and a device is not the only thing that could hinder the power of its signal. Routers should be placed in a central location and preferably in height. You should also keep it away from metals and thick walls.
It may be prudent to make an appointment with a specialist of your service provider before trying to solve the problem yourself.
Which one should I get?
A plug-in extension could be the simplest option.
Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto
Assuming that you have done due diligence and that you have decided, in fact, that you need a WiFi extension, there are far too many options to follow. They come in a variety of styles and prices, so searching can be a little intimidating.
A ton of WiFi extenders tend to plug directly into wall outlets, which will probably be the most convenient option for most people. There are also extensions that lie flat on the desk and, although these have their own advantages, flat surfaces occupy a prominent place in many apartments.
Last year, we ranked the TITAN-EX AC1900 from Amped Wireless as the best overall extender you can buy. This is a desktop WiFi repeater with multiple Ethernet ports if you care about wired connections, but it also costs more than $ 100. The TP-Link extension is a little more manageable at just over $ 60 on Amazon right now and plugs into a wall outlet for convenience.
Where should I put it?
Just as the positioning of the router is essential for maximum signal strength, you need to make sure your extension is in the best place to do its job. It's easy enough to understand.
Linksys and Netgear both have WiFi extensions, and both companies have the same advice for placement of extensions: getting together in the middle. In simple terms, you must identify the location of your WiFi deadband and place the extender halfway between the router and the dead zone. The extender must be close enough to the router to extend its signal and close enough to the dead zone to make a difference.
How should I configure it?
If you can establish a wired connection between your router and your extension, you will get better speeds.
Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto
As the configuration differs from one device to another, please consult carefully the instruction manual of the extension that you buy. In general, the biggest step is to simultaneously press the Extender and Router WPS buttons to establish a connection between the two.
If your extension has an Ethernet port, you should see if you can connect it to your router this way. Wired is always faster and more secure than wireless, after all.
The last thing to keep in mind is that the outgoing network strength of the extender will probably not match the signal coming out of the router. This is an unfortunate side effect of the extension process, but it's better than not having WiFi at all.
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